Chapter 72: Chapter72- I don't want to die!

Just as I was deep in my thoughts, a soft ping echoed in the room.

Startled, I looked up to see a virtual window materialize in front of me, illuminating the brightly lit room with its soft glow.

It displayed a message:

Quest: [Betrayal or Loyalty?]

Your companions are about to be in danger very soon.

What will you choose to do?

Will you aid them or flee?

[Note: Their adversary is insanely overpowered.]

Reward: Decides if you'll rescue them or not.

"Damn it!"

I carefully analyzed the quest and realized it's a test of my morality.

The quest warns that my companions will face danger, which means it's likely true.

The key question here is whether I should help them or not.

Initially, I would have chosen to help them, but considering the opponent is extremely powerful, I have no option but to prioritize my own safety over others and stay away from them.

For a second, I considered reaching out to others to warn them about the imminent danger.

But then I realized that if I did, and they survived the danger later on, they might become suspicious of me.

They would likely question how I knew about the danger beforehand and could even accuse me of being involved in causing it.

Even if they didn't immediately suspect me, they would still wonder why I didn't warn them sooner.

If I had alerted them an hour or two ago, they wouldn't have to worry about the danger at all.

After weighing all my options, I've chosen to keep my distance from them and not tell them about the danger they're about to encounter.

But, there's another issue...

When the danger arrives, Zeras will definitely command everyone to go to the dangerous location.

Let's say I choose not to go.

Even if one of them survives, it could be a problem for me.

Since I've decided to stay away, if I follow this order, the survivor will likely tell Marcus that I didn't come to help our group.

This will make him suspicious of me.

In the worst case, Marcus might decide to expel me or even accuse me of colluding with the rebels, assuming I knowingly neglected my teammates in their time of need.

That's why I have to decide whether to help them or not?

After careful consideration, only one risky idea came to mind.

For that to succeed, the opponent must lower their guard.

If they don't, my chances of success are pretty minimal.

Just as I pondered over this, my radio suddenly echoed with a frantic voice, gasping for help, "Please, someone help me! I don't want to die. They... they will kill me!"

Then, the radio abruptly went silent.

The voice belonged to Aeron, who was clearly terrified and stuttering as he spoke.

Zeras, speaking from the other end of the radio, called out urgently, "Aeron, Aeron, can you hear me? Aeron!"

Aeron's voice came back, sounding panicked, "Yes, leader, please help me! The Terror gang is going to kill me!"

Because, if I get spotted, I can use my dash skill to escape without getting caught.

Then, I dashed out of the room, but not before tossing Lee's radio onto his bed.

A "THUD" sound echoed as the radio landed.

The radio accidentally turned on, emitting no sound except for some random buzzing noises.

After I left the room and the building, something mysterious began to happen.

Lee's recorded tape started playing again, with his voice beginning to say some words...

"Hey, everyone, sorry, I wasn't finished. I have some very important news to share with you all.

I... I... I just saw on the television news that my virus is spreading. The first case has been registered, and the first victim has been infected by the virus.

I can't express how happy I am right now. Today's date will always be remembered in the history of humanitythe day the world changed.

Hahahaha.

I can't stop my happiness and, laugh...

Okay, let's stop for now.

I haven't mentioned today's date yet, right?

Let me announce it to you.

It's July 18, 2030, and the time is 4:30 a.m..."

***

I was moving carefully through the streets and houses since I didn't have Aeron's exact location.

Moving carefully seemed like the safer option, considering this could also be a trap.

Thinking about Aeron's predicament, I believe he's likely already dead, judging from Marcus's description of the rebels.

If they truly enjoy killing, they would have likely executed him by now.

That's why I'm taking my time and not feeling overly anxious.

As I stealthily moved through the bustling streets, staying alert, it took about 30 to 40 minutes before I noticed movement ahead, suggesting someone was nearby.

I proceeded cautiously and carefully, slowing my pace even more.

Peeking from the cover of an alley, I spotted figures dressed in black masks and clothes.

They were gathered near Hyun Su's family restaurant and the Hyosan police station, which were clearly marked on a nearby sign.

The rebels, all dressed alike in their black outfits and masks, were talking quietly among themselves.

Each one seemed ready for action, showing discipline in their movements.

But it was their leader who stood outa tall figure with a strong presence.

He wore a long, red cloak over his black clothes, and his Red mask was adorned with intricate designs of death.

I couldn't see everything clearly because I was far away and using binoculars instead of getting closer.

I used my appraisal skill on him, and a virtual screen appeared in front of me, which surprised me.

It became clear why he was considered overpowered.

**Name:** Mikey Salmon

**Height:** 6 feet

**Weight:** 180 pounds

...